Have you ever noticed that after a while even washing your clothes doesn’t seem to clean them? You complain about the laundry powder, about the quality of the clothes, that the machine is old, anything and everything because something is making your clothes continue to stink. Often the most common cause of this is that you simply haven’t cleaned your washing machine. Imagine cleaning your dishes with a dirty sponge all your life. As it gets dirtier and dirtier it is going to have less and less of a positive effect on your dishes, the same is true for a washing machine. Read on to learn how to clean your machine.
The first step is to disinfect the large tub itself. The best way to do this is to run an empty wash. Add some vinegar and baking soda to the wash and run it on a long cycle so that it works its way into every nook and cranny of the washing machine tub. You probably need to do this every three months. A great way to think of this is the change of the seasons. As you notice the seasons change use that as a reminder to wash out your tub. This is also a good way to remember to check your tires and your oil in your car and to think about seeing a dentist for a checkup.
However, there is more you can do for your washing machine. Take a look at where the laundry powder and liquid go in your washing machine. If it looks good as new then there may be no need for concern but we have opened up many washing machines and seen some horrible sights here. If this area is filthy then it is mixing with your laundry products and ensuring your clothes stink. To clean here you will need a sponge, an old toothbrush, and a strong elbow. There is no button on your machine to clean here.
Cleaning out the laundry wells is rarely required on machines but is something to watch out for as it could be the culprit behind your smelly clothes. We recommend doing this once a year or whenever you feel your clothes aren’t washing as well.
Many washing machines have a self-clean cycle setting so take a look at your manual and run that as often as the manual suggests or every couple of weeks. It is no harm to keep your machine in top condition.
If your machine has a large rubber lining around the tub this is somewhere that dirt and lint will often get stuck. Put a rubber glove on and try to reach around the rubber to see if you can grab anything that may be stuck inside.
Finally, take a closer look at your laundry detergent. While some have a great smell others actually kill the odor in your clothes, not just cover it over. If you are washing sports gear then you may find after a while even a great smelling detergent is not doing the job. Try something that actually deals with the smell instead of covering it over and you may have more success.
If your clothes are still smelling after a wash take a look at how you are drying them. Often the bad smell comes from leaving them to sit in the washing machine too long after a wash or hanging them up in a room that is not well ventilated. You must ensure that those clothes are put out to dry quickly or you will need to wash them again. You also need to have a place that air can pass through. Open the windows and allow some air to dry those clothes. If the environment you are in is simply too cold, you may need to use a dryer at a laundry instead
